French Open: Diana Shnaider Marches On But Faces Accusations Of Supporting Russia’s War In Ukraine
Diana Shnaider says she is at the French Open to speak solely about tennis after being accused by a fellow player of supporting her country’s military actions against Ukraine.
The 25th seed defeated Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-5, 6-1 to move into the fourth round of Roland Garros for the first time. It is only the second time in her career that she has reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam. Shnaider, who is a former French Open semi-finalist at junior level, is yet to drop a set in the tournament.
Coming into her latest match, tension was high between Shnaider and Oliynykova, who two days earlier showed reporters screenshots of what she claimed were her opponent liking social media posts promoting Russian propaganda. She was also criticised by Oliynykova for taking part in an exhibition event last year in her country that was sponsored by Gazprom. A state-owned energy company currently sanctioned by the USA, UK and EU for its financial involvement in the war.
“I don’t know anything about what she said,” Shnaider told reporters in Paris.
“Speaking of the exhibition tournament, I’m travelling all year-round. I’m not seeing my family or my friends, and I have the only opportunity to play in front of my family, in front of my friends, just to spend a little more time at home.
“I see it as an opportunity just to show some good tennis for my family. It’s the only opportunity, so I got to use it.”
Russia is currently banned from hosting ATP, WTA and ITF events due to the war. They are also excluded from playing in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. Individual players have no travel restrictions, but they can only play under a neutral status.
Pressed further about her social media activity, 22-year-old Shnaider refused to enter into a discussion about the war and did not want to express her views on the topic.
“I’m here just to play tennis, not talking about Instagram or video likes or anything else,” she said.
“I’m not going to say anything about the situation. I’m here just to speak about tennis and about my game, about the second week of the French Open. Just enjoy making it for the first time, and that’s it.”
More criticism after match
Shnaider’s stance hasn’t gone down well with Oliynykova, who reiterated her criticism of her following their match. The world No.65 is one of the most outspoken critics of Russian players on the Tour and their alleged support for the war.
“She doesn’t want to comment on the war because if she says her opinion, it would be a very big scandal, but I showed you the proof,” Oliynykova said. “I want to stop the tour being so hypocritical by pretending they cannot do anything, because they have the mechanism.
“You can be sanctioned if you are participating in a tournament organised by a betting company, but if they have this mechanism, why will they not use this to the tournament organised by a war crimes sponsor?”
Oliynykova began her press conference by reading a statement that explained her motivation and reasons for speaking out.
“I know that some people disagree with my actions,” she said. “I know that some people would prefer that I stay silent. But what I do is not about politics, it’s about humanity. When people are being killed, while children are dying, when violence is justified or celebrated, we cannot pretend that nothing is happening. We cannot look away. We cannot protect those who support or excuse such actions.
“Our organisation was not built by pioneers like Billie Jean King so that money and luxury could become the only values in women’s tennis. They wanted something bigger than that. They wanted us to have a voice, to inspire others to make the world better, to be role models for young athletes. Being a role model is not about the size of your bank account. It’s not about expensive watches, private jets, or luxury brands. A real role model has the courage to stand against evil.”
Shnaider will next play either Madison Keys or Victoria Mboko.